The Von Dutch VW/Harley

[herr_oberst]

Don't watch American Pickers much, but spotted this when I was surfing last night.

Anyone have any idea how much something like this might be worth? It appears legit, titled to Ed Roth, (VD gave or sold it to him)

I've seen as high as 4million on blogs, but I'm thinking realistically, maybe a quarter mil for the right collector?

(AP guys paid 21K)

[KNS]

I'm surprised they sold it for the price without investigating what it might be worth.

[varmint]

$2-$3k in that shape without the Von Dutch name. with the Von Dutch name i'd give $2-$3k. those things show up from time to time. always wanted to ride one.

where are the harley parts?

[Aragorn]

Those guys usually like to pay at most half of what they think it is worth. They are pickers after all and need to make a profit.

I wouldn't be surprised if they still own it and sell it for the 4 mill estimate, they will go back and give the girl(?) they bought it from some more money. They did that in an episode with circus posters if memory serves me correct.

I wouldn't ever want to guess what it could possibly go for in an auction. Roth and Von Dutch were icons in the 60's and 70's and if some baby boomer wants it they will bid it up.

[enzo1]

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/708835-von-dutch-vw-powered-motorcycle.html

[craigster59]

One of my friends Jim Brucker used to have a lot of Von Dutch stuff along with other vehicles and memorabilia. VD used to live in his hangar out at Santa Paula airport (along with Steve McQueen). Here's an interesting article on Jim and the collection he once had.....
Varied Treasure : The Bruckers were big-time pack rats. Now 40 years of collectibles have to go. - Los Angeles Times

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by enzo1

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/708835-von-dutch-vw-powered-motorcycle.html

Oops! I'm really sorry, I should have done a search; of course someone here would have posted this before.

[Dana Norris]

Not sure why its called VW/Harley, the engine is VW for sure the frame I do not know, not much
Harley there the rest of it looks like late 60s Honda with after market seat and ***** pad.
just my 2 cents, and I have been riding and wrenching on bikes since 1966. What do the experts
say?

[Nostril Cheese]

Thats a Honda gas tank for sure. Frame looks to be BMW.

[varmint]

the handlebars might be harley. don't see anything else.

[herr_oberst]

Bikers Hotline.com:

"Mike Wolfe of Antique Archaeology has agreed to show the XAVW.

This is a creation that could only come from the visionary - Von Dutch. In 1966 Von Dutch got the idea to throw together a truly rare motorcycle, the XA Harley Davidson (Experimental Army) and a 36 hp VW motor. The result is a one-off piece of history that was thought to be lost to the ages.

After tearing the bike down, Von Dutch sold or traded (depends on who you ask) the XAVW to Ed Big Daddy Roth. The bike was then traded/sold on down the line until recently when Mike Wolfe was given a hint about the current location. After following up on the lead and confirming that this was the real Von Dutch bike from the late 60s', Antique Archaeology purchased the machine from a private owner once the pink slip was shown to still have Ed Roth's name still on it!

Vintage Torque Fest is excited to be able to have such a rare and unique piece on display at the show May 4/5, 2012. This museum quality piece will be on display inside the main hall with the other historic hot rods, kustoms, and cycles. Considering how few items still exist with a verifiable Von Dutch pedigree, this is truly a museum quality piece."

I'm no expert, just a surfer.